What can cause a child to look pale?

What can cause a child to look pale?

About pale skin Light-skinned children can look pale in winter because they’re not getting enough sun or they’re feeling cold. In rare cases, pale skin can be a sign of anaemia, infections, breathing issues and other underlying medical conditions.

What do I do if my child is pale?

See your GP if your child looks very pale, is irritable and is very tired. Treatment for anaemia usually involves iron-rich foods in the diet, plus iron supplements.

What is the cause of paleness?

Paleness may be the result of decreased blood supply to the skin. It can also be due to decreased number of red blood cells (anemia). Paleness of the skin is not the same as loss of pigment from the skin. Paleness is related to blood flow in the skin rather than deposit of melanin in the skin.

What are the signs of leukemia in a child?

What are the symptoms of leukemia in children?

  • Pale skin.
  • Feeling tired, weak, or cold.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Shortness of breath, trouble breathing.
  • Frequent or long-term infections.
  • Fever.
  • Easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

What were your child’s first symptoms of leukemia?

The common symptoms of childhood leukemia include the following:

  • Bruising and bleeding. A child with leukemia may bleed more than expected after a minor injury or nosebleed.
  • Stomachache and poor appetite.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Swelling.
  • Bone and joint pain.
  • Anemia.

What are the signs of anemia in a child?

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might include:

  • Pale skin.
  • Fatigue.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Slowed growth and development.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Abnormally rapid breathing.
  • Behavioral problems.
  • Frequent infections.

How do I know if my child is iron deficiency?

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency Overall lack of energy and fatigue. Pale appearance as hemoglobin levels drop. Nails that appear brittle, tongue that looks redder than normal and/or cracks on the side of the mouth. Poor appetite or a craving to eat non-food items like ice, dirt, paint or starch.

Does dehydration cause paleness?

Paleness can also be the result of cold temperatures, frostbite, dehydration, and the use of certain medications. When general paleness appears gradually over time, it can be caused by anemia, a condition in which there are very few red blood cells in the blood.

Does my child need iron supplement?

Ideally, kids should get their iron and other vitamins from a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. If they eat enough iron-rich foods, an iron supplement may not be needed. Examples of foods high in iron include ( 7 ): red meats, including beef, organ meats, and liver.

What causes a child to be pale?

A decreased number of red blood cells in the body — known as anemia — can cause your child to appear pale. Anemia is most commonly due to an inadequate amount of iron in the diet. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce a normal number of red blood cells.

What are the causes of paleness?

Other causes of paleness include: 1 lack of sun exposure 2 skin that is naturally pale 3 cold exposure and frostbite 4 shock (dangerously low blood pressure) 5 blockage in the artery of a limb

What are the symptoms of paleness in children?

There are many associated symptoms that occur along with paleness in children. These symptoms usually depend on the underlying cause. In case of anemia, the child may suffer from shortness in breath, weakness, loss of hair, pale tongue, enlarged abdomen, lips and conjunctiva paleness.

Why is it important to detect paleness in children?

Detecting paleness in children is essential as it is suggestive of some underlying disease or nutritional deficiencies. Paleness in children for a long time can affect his growth because major cause of skin pallor is anemia. So if your child appears pale, blood test is essential tool to detect anemia.